Implementing IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet Switches

Chapter 1. Introduction to IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet products 21

Table 1-7 shows the part numbers used to order the IBM System Networking

RackSwitch G8264.

Table 1-7 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 part numbers

1.5.1 Switch inclusions

The module part numbers include the following items:

򐂰 One IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264R/ G8264F

򐂰 Generic Rail Mount Kit (2-post)

򐂰 Mini-USB Console port for serial access

1.5.2 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 benefits

The RackSwitch G8264 offers the following benefits:

򐂰 High performance: The 10 Gb/40 Gb Low Latency Switch provides the best combination

of low latency, non-blocking line-rate switching, and ease of management. It also has a

throughput of 1.2 Tbps.

򐂰 Lower power and better cooling: RackSwitch G8264 uses as little as 275 W of power,

which is a fraction of the power consumption of most competitive offerings. Unlike

side-cooled switches, which can cause heat recirculation and reliability concerns, the

G8264 front-to-rear or rear-to-front cooling design reduces data center air conditioning

costs by having airflow match the servers in the rack. In addition, variable speed fans

assist in automatically reducing power consumption.

򐂰 Virtual Fabric: Virtual Fabric can help customers address I/O requirements for multiple

NICs, while also helping reduce cost and complexity. Virtual Fabric for IBM allows for the

carving up of a physical NIC into multiple virtual NICs (2 - 8 vNICs) and creates a virtual

pipe between the adapter and the switch for improved performance, availability, and

security, while reducing cost and complexity.

򐂰 VM-aware networking: VMready software on the switch simplifies configuration and

improves security in virtualized environments. VMready automatically detects virtual

machine movement between physical servers and instantly reconfigures each VM’s

network policies across VLANs to keep the network running without interrupting traffic or

impacting performance. VMready works with all leading VM providers, such as VMware,

Citrix, Xen, and Microsoft.

򐂰 Layer 3 functionality: The IBM System Networking RackSwitch includes Layer 3

functionality, which provides security and performance benefits, as inter-VLAN traffic

stays within the switch. This switch also provides the full range of Layer 3 protocols from

static routes for technologies, such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border

Gateway Protocol (BGP) for enterprise customers.

Description IBM Part No. Power Systems MTM/FC

IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264R

(Rear-to-Front)

7309G64 1455-64C

IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264F

(Front-to-Rear)

730964F

Transceivers: Small form-factor pluggable plus (SFP+) transceivers are not included in

the purchase of the switch. All 1/10 Gb transceivers require LC-to-LC cables.